Stupid questions?ok

Perhaps you have heard it as often as me, at university, seminars, conferences, meetings: “There are no stupid questions.” I used to nod my head too, but now I’m not so sure.

“Sergeant, I’ve pulled the pin on this thing. What should I do next?”

“Should I take the customer’s payment when I don’t have my official receipt book?”

“I want a job that’s really fun and pays a lot. What should I do?”

It may be that our business is serious enough, but it is only when we take ourselves too seriously that we become hesitant in asking risky questions. Perhaps though, it is a matter of how we phrased our statement, “No stupid questions.” What we need to encourage, demand where appropriate is that people must ask questions, even those where someone makes a face or laughs in ours. After all, would you rather be the sergeant who hears the question or is handed the live grenade?

About Tim Paulsen

Tim has been a professional trainer and speaker for more than 20 years. He has spoken to thousands of people, all across Canada and the United States and also in: Bahamas, Bermuda, Brunei, China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Nepal, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

About Tim Paulsen

Tim is the author of several books including the most recent "Sex, Lies and Negotiation Techniques". He has worked with customers and clients in 24 different countries.

Blog Posts

About Tim Paulsen

Tim has been a professional trainer and speaker for more than 20 years. He has spoken to thousands of people, all across Canada and the United States and also in: Bahamas, Bermuda, Brunei, China, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Nepal, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.